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Fargo chief apologizes for press-conference tone, defends department staffing needs
Summary
Fargo Police Chief Cybalski apologized for how a prior press conference was perceived, said investigators weighed timeliness against preserving evidence, and urged the commission to approve more sworn positions; he also said the department is understaffed and described short-term overtime measures.
FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Police Chief Cybalski apologized Monday for remarks at a prior news conference that some officials and residents found dismissive and defended the department's handling of investigative communications following two Aug. 3 homicides.
"I apologize if somebody feel that they didn't fully answer your questions," Cybalski said at the department's Monday press briefing. He also said decisions about releasing information were made to avoid compromising active investigations: "The concern is always, not pushing out investigative information that would compromise the investigation."
Cybalski said he has not yet met with Mayor Tim Mahoney but expects to do so; several city commissioners publicly questioned his handling of communications and two called for his resignation, reporters said. When asked about those calls, Cybalski said, "I think commissioners are entitled to their opinion. I don't question my ability to lead at all, and I'm certainly looking forward to the conversation with the mayor."
Beyond communication, Cybalski emphasized a longstanding staffing shortfall. He said Fargo's goal has been 1.6 officers per 1,000 residents while the national and state averages are about 2 per 1,000. "We are understaffed compared to our comparable others and the state and national average," he said, and noted the department plans to add nine positions next year funded by the public-safety sales tax but called that "about a third" of the additional staffing he feels is needed.
He defended the department's operational response to the weekend shootings while acknowledging public concern about the timing of the first news releases. Cybalski said he was out of town in Florida on his day off when the shootings occurred but remained in phone contact with staff and helped manage resources: "I was in contact with them throughout the day. I was actively involved." He also said the city has a chain of command so other leaders can hold briefings when the chief is unavailable.
Reporters pressed the chief on whether more officers are needed downtown after bars close; Cybalski reiterated that broader staffing increases would allow more directed patrols, better shift staffing and improved work-life balance for officers. He warned that current reliance on overtime is not sustainable.
— Reported from statements by Chief Cybalski and department officials at a Fargo Police Department press conference.
